God has a funny way of working things out; His faithfulness kind of just blows my mind. And I know, I know that He is faithful in my head, but sometimes, somehow that confidence in Him gets lost on the way to my heart. God has continually brought me back to 2 Timothy 2:13 this summer which states that even "if we are faithless, He is faithful for He cannot disown Himself." Well, that's an amazing reassurance if you ask me. It seems a bit silly to doubt in light of that.
I cannot lie: I had doubts going into this year of ministry. I felt ill-equipped, overwhelmed, and kind of like I was sinking. But here is the great news: God does not function out of our emotions. Even though I was feeling ill-equipped, He was equipping me. Even though I was feeling overwhelmed, He was completely in control. Even though I was feeling like I was sinking, He was holding me up. He has supplied me with an absolutely wonderful team at APU; He has surrounded me with amazing leaders from Biola who have quickly become dear friends; He has supplied me with support from an amazing staff who is quick to help and answer questions; He has blessed me with supporters who believe in me and the ministry for which I work. He is good.
For the last two(ish) weeks, I have been in training with my APU team, the Biola chapter, the CSP staff, and last week, two of our Chicago chapters. Together, we have hiked ten miles, survived the freezing cold, and worked and trained for about twelve hours a day. But together, we have also laughed quite a bit, shared our excitements and fears for the next year, grown as a team, and grown as a CSP family. I have gotten to know these amazing people and I am so blessed to be able to call them my friends.
So far, my journey as the Student Director of the Azusa Pacific Chapter has been a humbling one. I am constantly amazed as I look around the room at the caliber of individuals that surround me. These are all people who are putting their priorities in sharing the Gospel with those who have not heard over their own personal lives. Some of them have stopped their lives and plans all together to reach those who have not heard. They, to me, are a glimpse into what the Body of Christ is to be: a group of people with different backgrounds, talents, passions, and life experiences all coming together for a single pursuit: to bring the Gospel to a generation that so desperately needs it. And we are going to continue to do so 'til every student has heard.
As I look to the the future, it would be easy to become overwhelmed. There are schools to be enrolled, volunteers to train, students to mentor and equip, and money to finish raising-not to mention a full class load! But I know that God will prove to be faithful again because He cannot go against that which is His character. He is good. He is faithful. He is love. And because of that, I am incredibly blessed.
I am so excited for what God is going to be doing this year through the APU Chapter. And I am so blessed that you have chosen to partner with me in reaching these high schools. Thank you does not even cover it.
Love,
Nicole
The APU Chapter, Biola Chapter, Chicago Chapters, and some of the staff camping!
The APU Chapter Leaders! These young men are amazing. They will be serving as cluster leaders this year. I would not be able to function without RJ (Left) and Billy (Right).
For more information on California School Project, please check out our website and watch this cool video!
